This week we’d like to showcase a home theater upgrade from Mill Valley.  For this project the customer had us swap out an old CRT TV with a new high performance 50″ Samsung Plasma HDTV and a surround sound system upgrade.  Below, is an exclusive look at the installation broken down into 6 phases:

Here is the modest home theater setup prior to the upgrade.

Phase 1: The first order of business was to clear out the old TV, AV gear, and shelving to make way for a more streamlined AV cabinet.

Phase 2: The next step was to place the Polk speakers and subwoofer in the cabinet for a compact, but well balanced system.  The cabinet also provides clean cable management for the speaker wire and cables.

Phase 3:

Following the speakers placement, we placed the Wii game console, Denon turntable, Sony Blu-ray player and Comcast HD cable box in the cabinet for an easy connection to the receiver.

Phase 4: After all the cables were fished through the cabinet we wired them up to an Integra surround sound receiver.

Phase 5: The Samsung Plasma HDTV was then installed and the Wii motion sensor was mounted on top of the display.

Phase 6: The final step was to mount the acoustically transparent panel doors onto the cabinet for a clean finish.  The Universal Remote was then reprogrammed for simple operation, then the audio system and TV were calibrated for optimal performance.

Final result is a cleanly designed, robust and reliable, easy to use media system that fits into the room’s décor.

Apple’s music event on September 1^st brought great news to home theater enthusiasts with the release of a new Apple TV.   The new Apple TV boasts a stripped down form factor about ¼ the size of older models.  This is in part because there is no longer local storage and Apple has stripped down the A/V ports to just an HDMI and Optical audio jack.

In terms of functionality, the new Apple TV works as a streaming only device.  Therefore, there’s no longer a need to worry about managing storage or syncing an iTunes library.  Movies and shows are streamed directly from iTunes as rentals.  In addition, Netflix streaming service is now supported with this new model.  The best part, is that there’s still the ability to wirelessly stream music, video and photos from your computer at blazing speeds.

The Apple TV is scheduled to go on sale in September, with a starting pricepoint of $99.

Kenny thanks for chatting with me.  In your past experience with other companies how did a typical day begin?

At other companies my day would start by being briefed on the spot about the day’s job.  The boss would always prepare the schedule at the last minute in hopes of just throwing bodies at projects. There was rarely a plan of action and never any scope of work, design meetings, or project checklists given in advance.

Sounds like a tough start.  How did that affect the projects?

Well, once I figured out where I was going for the day I’d go into the warehouse to stage the equipment only to find that we didn’t have half of the parts needed. On a few occasions I remember informing the boss, and he said, “I forgot to order that. Tell the client that it’s backordered.”  So, I would leave the shop with no information on the project, very little parts, and a lie to tell the client!

Once I arrived at the site, I’d rummage through my set of inferior tools and prepare to start work. There wasn’t much in the way of documentation which resulted in way too much time on the phone with tech support or my project manager.  That was just to get up to speed on the project and figure out how the system is supposed to work.

How was your experience with the other technicians and support staff?

I found that often times at most other companies my coworkers weren’t CEDIA certified and had little experience.  So, that meant a bit of babysitting onsite. The kicker was that after a long frustrating day onsite I’d finally get back to the shop to find my boss drinking a beer and acting as if everything was great.

Techs ensure their vans are kept well organized.

How is it different here at SoundVision?

SoundVision always stresses process and preplanning.  Our schedules are literally booked weeks in advance.  Each project gets a project binder that we take onsite.   The binders include everything from scope of work, project management checklists, to wiring schematics & floor plans.  At SoundVision we always follow a carefully laid out set of tasks and milestones for each project.  In terms of parts, we have a purchasing manager who orders all our parts and stages them for us each morning.  Our vans are always fully stocked with the right tools for the job.

Can you talk about some of the SoundVision processes while onsite?

Sure.  When I arrive onsite, I do a walk-through and fill out a Project Time Estimator.  This document will tell me if we are going to finish within the time and budget provided.  Photographs are taken at every phase and downloaded to the server for future review and reference.   At the end of each day, emails are sent out to all stakeholders informing them of where we are in the project and any issues encountered. 

SoundVision staff meeting

How does the SoundVision staff differ?

At SoundVision, our techs are all CEDIA certified and keep up to date with the latest technology by attending seminars and workshops.   If I ever have questions while onsite, there are a minimum of three people I can contact prior to calling the tech support line.  SoundVision also has a dedicated support and administrative staff on board so the office is always running smoothly.  We have bi-weekly all-hands staff meetings where we collaborate on ideas and lessons learned while onsite.

Kenny’s Insider Tips

After hearing about some of his war stories on the job, we asked Kenny if he could put together a list of tips for people to consider before choosing their next custom electronics integrator.

• Look around their office.  Is it organized or messy?  If it’s messy, odds are that they treat their clients/projects in the same manner… If they can’t keep their own office neat and clean, what makes you believe they’ll keep your home/project organized?
• Observe their employees (if they’re there).  Do they display a professional appearance: clean shaven/groomed, clean clothes, etc.  This will help you decide if you are comfortable with letting them into your home, before the project has started.
• Check to see if they have received industry related awards.  Typically, you will notice these once you walk into the door.  If you don’t see any awards or recognition of any kind, odds are they don’t do quality work and don’t deserve them.
• Do your homework.  See what other people have said about the company. Dig around on the internet for reviews or testimonials. View their website; does it appear to be sales based, or information based? If possible, take a look at one of their ongoing projects.

Did you know that Netflix subscribers have access to a large selection of streaming movies, shows, concerts, and more?

Internet ready Blu-ray players like the Samsung BD-P3600 and current generation game systems can connect directly to your Netflix account and stream unlimited video content to your home theater.

Netflix just announced two great additions to their service.

1. Starting this September Paramount and Lionsgate movies will be added to the Netflix streaming roster.
2. The Netflix App for iPhone was just released giving mobile access to streaming content on iphones, ipods or ipads.

• Boise State vs. Virginia Tech
• Miami vs. Ohio State
• Clemson vs. Auburn

These games have initial honors with more 3D college and pro games to be announced. We think that 3D will become the viewing option of choice for die-hard football fans who want an immersive viewing experience.

ESPN 3D Website

Satellite Speakers

The James satellite speakers are the driving force behind the Landscape speaker line.  They are designed to resemble outdoor lighting and can easily be mounted in the ground, on the wall, or even on a tree.

There are many installation options for the satellite speakers

3-Way Planter Speaker

This attractive speaker is built into a teakwood planter box.  Its weather treated, sounds fantastic, and best of all it’s fully-functional as a planter box.

James Planter Box Speaker

Subterranean Subwoofer

the James line of subwoofers truly completes the outdoor entertainment environment.  This powerful subwoofer is built to be installed underground.

James Subterranean Subwoofer shown here with unit installed underground.

Installing Outdoor Landscape speakers will ensure that your next BBQ will amaze your guests as the music seemingly emanates from the garden.



Artscreens

A common request for hidden TVs comes from homeowners who have a fireplace in their living room.  Simply mounting a bulky TV above the fireplace has the potential to disrupt the ambiance or charm of the room.  Situations like this call for a bit of creativity and this is where Artscreens really shine.  Imagine, instead of a TV mounted front and center, there’s a framed reprint from your favorite artist.   When it comes time for your favorite show a simple click of a button on your wireless remote triggers the canvas to roll up and unmasks a fully functional 1080p display. Artscreen manufacturer, Vutec offers an impressive library of fine art canvases and frames to choose from.

This is an Artscreen installation montage illustrating how the canvas rolls up to reveal an LCD display.

TV Mirrors

An example of a Seura TV mirror installed in a bathroom

Another option that’s touted as the cutting edge of technology and style is the Seura line of TV Mirrors.  TV mirrors are an innovative concept that merges a mirror and an LCD TV together into one unit.  The LCD display is actually contained within the mirror and becomes completely invisible when powered off.  We find that this is another great solution for home theater enthusiasts interested in maintaining their home’s aesthetic appeal while utilizing the latest home entertainment technology.  Alternatively, TV Mirrors can offer a slick solution to bringing a slice of the home theater experience to a bathroom or bedroom with a minimal footprint.

Motorized TV Lifts

Every so often we hear from customers who want their TVs completely hidden without a trace.  In this scenario we often utilize Auton motorized TV lifts.  With motorized lifts installed, customers have the ability to extend, lower, and swivel their TV from within a cabinet, wall, or ceiling into plain site.

This is a photo montage illustrating a motorized TV lift installation by SoundVision. The display is mounted on a Lift tech motorized lift inside the cabinet. The lift raises the TV out of the cabinet and can swivel and rotate all via remote control.

Hidden Projectors

Hidden projectors and screens arguably have the biggest impact in a home theater setup and certainly create quite a buzz.  When engaged, the projector and screen lower from the ceiling. When paired with in-wall and in-ceiling speakers it reveals a complete home theater system.   The best part about this setup is that it can theoretically turn any capable room into a complete home theater without modifying the décor or furniture.

This is a photo montage of a hidden projector and motorized screen installation by SoundVision.

If you or someone you know would like more information on what you read here or have any questions, feel free to call our office at (415) 456-7000, send me an email or visit our website today.

What is a Compression Algorithm?

To simply put it, a compression algorithm is the software or method of compression that converts audio or video into file formats.  Compressing audio files reduces the amount of storage space necessary.

Okay, than what is the file format?

File formats are typically associated with media player software. For example “.mov” file is for QuickTime, a “.wmv” file is for Windows Media Player, and an Mp3 file is for….. you guessed it, an Mp3 player.

Compressed Audio Types

In digital audio there are two main categories of compression algorithms: lossy and lossless.

Lossy: Lossy compression algorithms significantly reduce the file size by crunching info that is considered “less-essential”.  The upshot of this loss in file size is a noticeable hit in audio quality.

Lossless:  Lossless compression algorithms s are able to compact the info without losing any information.   This method does reduce the file size, but not nearly as much as a lossy compression.

Converting Audio

While there are many options for converting audio, here are the free software packages that we recommend.

• iTunes
• Winamp

For its ease of use we generally recommend iTunes as it plays particularly nice with a SoundVision favorite, Apple TV.  Here is our guide to converting audio in iTunes.

Uncompressed Audio Conversion

If storage is not at a premium you can opt to convert your music to uncompressed formats such as WAV or AIFF. Converting to a WAV file will deliver the best sounding and most compatible conversions, at the expense of disk space.   Keep in mind with uncompressed conversions, a typical song under 4 minutes could get as high as 30MB in size.

1. Go to the edit menu and choose Preferences.

2. The Preferences pop-up menu will appear.  In the General tab, click on the Import Settings button.

3.  For Import Setting Select WAV Encoder in the drop-down menu , and in the Setting drop-down select Automatic.  Hit the OK button and you are all set to start importing your CDs at the best quality possible.

Lossless Audio Conversion

Here are our recommended settings for Apple Lossless Audio Compression (also known as ALAC).  This is a somewhat proprietary format, but is a great option if you are primarily using Apple or Sonos products as your media playback devices.

Follow steps 1-2 from above to get to the Import Settings Pop-up menu.

From the Import Settings menu choose Apple Lossless Encoder, and in the Setting drop-down select Automatic.  This setting will ensure that your digitized music will retain a high quality sound without sacrificing too much disc space.

Lossy Audio Conversion

For a more lossy, but broader range of compatibility, you can opt for Mp3 conversions.  The quality will be  lower than Apple Lossless, but you will save the most disk space  with Mp3 conversions.  It’s worth noting that iTunes has the ability to slightly modify the quality of Mp3 compression under the Setting drop-down.

Follow steps 1-2 from above to get to the Imoprt Settings Pop-up menu.

From the Import Settings menu MP3 Encoder, and in the Setting drop-down select Higher Quality (192 kbps).  This setting will ensure that your digitized music will not lose too much quality despite being a lossy compression.

If you have any questions, or care to share your advice feel free to contact us or drop us a note in the comment section.

Left: Traditional. Right: The TRUFIG difference.

Introducing TRUFIG—a revolutionary new flush-mounting technology developed by the engineers at Sonance, the inventors of the original in-wall speaker. TRUFIG takes ordinary protruding wall elements like Crestron touchpanels, Lutron lighting keypads, electrical outlets and even recessed lighting fixtures and turns them into flush-mounted pieces of architectural beauty. This new technology is turning heads the architectural and interior design committee, as TRUFIG recently received the Wallpaper* Magazine Design Award in the “Best Turn On” category.

To truly appreciate the TRUFIG difference, contact us today to experience the TRUFIG demo at our Novato showroom.

Fresh off the heels of the incredible growth of the Android mobile operating system, Google unveiled the new Google TV platform at last week’s Google I/O Conference in San Francisco. The new device is promising to merge the world of online content from portals like YouTube, Netflix and Hulu with what you already receive from cable or satellite services, and allows you to leverage the power of Google Search when looking for programming to watch.

Built on Google’s successful Android mobile operating system for smartphones and tablet/netbook computers, Google TV leverages technology from Adobe, Intel and Google’s Chrome browser to deliver engaging experiences to your living room. Sony has signed on with Google to make the first TVs with integrated Google TV technology, and Logitech will manufacture a set-top device to bring Google TV to displays without the technology built-in. Both devices will contain Intel Atom chips for processing power.

More Information

• Google TV: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know (Engadget)
• Google TV (Official Website)